What a day! On August 16, 2025, Tacoma Narrows Airport Day turned the museum into a walk-through world of aviation, with hands-on learning, historic airplanes, and a crowd that spanned toddlers to lifelong enthusiasts swapping hangar stories. Morning clouds gave way to afternoon sun, and the airplanes outside positively sparkled.
Highlights From the Event
Kids in the cockpit: A couple of small aircraft welcomed young pilots-in-waiting to climb in to the cockpit and imagine themselves in the air.
Surrounded by classics: Inside, the Aero Museum’s aircraft jewels set the scene, including the elegant Waco YMF (1934), Stearman 6L Cloudboy (1929), Waco INF (1931), Alliance A-1 Argo (1928).
Interactive everywhere: Flight simulators and aviation-themed games buzzed all day; future aviators queued up to “fly,” comparing landings and swapping tips.
A community of all ages: Families with strollers, kids, teens, and aviation veterans who’ve loved these airplanes all their lives, everyone shared the same grin.
More than the usual lineup: Beyond the museum collection, unique small planes from around the Northwest rolled in, making the day a unique viewing opportunity for anyone who loves aircraft.
Classic Northwest summer weather: Cool, mild morning; sun breaks just in time; and by late afternoon, brilliant light on polished prop blades.
Thanks to the exhibitors who made the day so great:
– Civil Air Patrol
– Peninsula School District, Aviation Academy
– FAA STEM
– Pen Met Parks
– Air Line Pilots Association
– Northwest Vinyl Lab
– AV8RS LLC
Thank you Pierce County Planning & Public Works, the airport businesses, service organizations, military branches, and the many volunteers who made the day smooth, welcoming, and inspiring. And thank you to everyone who stopped by the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum, your curiosity and enthusiasm are why we do this.
